§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what weight is given to the number of geese grazing on land when determining whether a licence to shoot should be granted; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what criteria he applies in determining the density or numbers of geese that are deemed to be causing significant damage for the purpose of granting a licence to shoot.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythLicences are granted only where white-fronted geese are regularly causing damage in concentrations of more than 200 birds on restricted areas of land carrying crops or improved grass.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what step he has taken to satisfy himself that the licensed shooting of white-fronted geese on Islay has not caused nor is likely to cause any disturbance to the wild birds in the proposed special protection area known as the Rhins.
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§ Mr. Michael ForsythNo licences have been issued in respect of land lying within any of the SSSIs including the Rhins. Licensed shooting outwith the SSSIs would not be expected to disturb birds within the protected areas.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to procure manpower for the purpose of scaring white-fronted geese from farmland on Islay.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythA scheme for the scaring of geese on farmland lying outwith the protected areas has already been introduced with support from the Manpower Services Commission for the employment of scarers.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many licence applications he has now received to shoot white-fronted geese; how many licences have been granted to date; and if he has received advice from the Nature Conservancy Council in respect of each licence application.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythTwenty eight applications for licences to shoot white-fronted geese have been received and 10 have been granted. The Nature Conservancy Council was informed in advance of each of the licences to be issued.